Islanders Anxiety – Episode 384 – Unforced Errors

Mike and Dan recap the Islanders' up-and-down week, look ahead to a scary schedule and bring receipts to an epic Master Sens Theatre.

The Islanders won one fun game, lost a game in overtime they were the better team in and then lost to a contender that overmatched them by a lot. With four regulars out of the lineup, their already pop gun offense and frequent missed opportunities looked even worse. They also have some games coming up in places they never win, making the mediocre results they got much more dire. There were things to like, like electric Matthew Schaefer goals, players who needed it cashing in and Pete DeBoer's structure still being executed well. But the reality of what this team is is settling in, and the good feelings from last week are fading.

We also discuss the team's unforced error of trying to "explain" Mat Barzal's absence and when – or if – he'll be back in the lineup. This also ties back to early season attendance issues and the lingering UBS Arena parking problem the organization doesn't seem to want to address. It would be great to make people feel good again with some wins in unlikely places and at home on Halloween. But the Magic 8 Ball isn't coming up in their favor.

In the second half, we also discuss the Connor Hellebyuck trade to New Jersey and the Metro Division before diving into an operatic Master Sens Theatre about the already legendary Brady Tkachuk return game. Everyone loves how Ottawa fans brutalized their former captain all game long, which is a far cry from how they treated Islanders fans who did the same thing to their traitorous returning captain back in 2019. But don't take our word for it; we've got the tweets, articles and quotes to prove what we know was true.

Make sure to come to our next meetup at Zofia's Hideout (82nd St, NYC) on Tuesday for the Islanders-Predators game.

Adam Wylde in 2026 ( twice ) and in 2019, via Luke Fox .

Vintage Ice Hockey for t-shirts, hoodies and jerseys with hundreds of classic hockey logos, as well as the full line of Islanders Anxiety merch . As always our portion of those sales go directly to the Center for Dementia Research.

The Pinot Project has a Rosé, a Pinot Grigio and a Wine Enthusiast Best Buy Pinot Noir, all under $15 a bottle. Available at local wine stores and UBS Arena.

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Theme song: "Morning Haze" by Family Dinner. Hear more of their music on Spotify .

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